Council authorizes purchase of Pierce pumper‑rescue; delivery and borrowing scheduled for 2028
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Summary
The council approved a $1,246,833 contract with Reliant Fire Apparatus to buy a Pierce pumper‑rescue to replace a 1999 engine; the vehicle will be delivered in August 2028, Pierce will accept the old engine as a $40,000 trade‑in, and the city expects to borrow a share of the cost in 2028.
Fire Chief Peterson and city staff asked the council to authorize the purchase of a Pierce pumper‑rescue engine to replace a 1999 apparatus that recently failed DOT inspection due to severe frame rust.
Peterson said the department formed an apparatus committee, evaluated major manufacturers and designed a dual‑function pumper‑rescue that consolidates capabilities to reduce fleet size and long‑term costs. He said the selected vehicle is priced at $1,246,833 through Reliant Fire Apparatus, the Pierce dealer for the region. Staff reported Pierce agreed to take the out‑of‑service engine as a trade‑in for $40,000 and that as many reusable components as possible will be salvaged from the old unit.
City Manager Hausman told the council that the likely financing plan will borrow for the city share in 2028 and that the city expects the townships to contribute under the shared services arrangement so the city will likely borrow about 67% of the purchase price (roughly $800,000), though final borrowing amounts and schedules will be set closer to 2028.
Peterson said new apparatus lead times have grown since about 2020 and that Pierce allowed the city to lock the current price; delivery is scheduled for August 2028 with final payment due at delivery. He also said department staff reduced optional equipment to cut approximately $65,000 from the bid.
Council members asked how the department will operate while the new vehicle is built; Peterson said the department will limit outbound mutual‑aid engine responses, rely on other apparatus types and request assistance when an engine is out for maintenance, and minimize time the remaining engines leave town.
Motion: The council approved a motion to purchase a Pierce PUC pumper‑rescue at a cost of $1,246,833 and authorized the city manager to execute a contract with Reliant Fire Apparatus; delivery expected August 2028. No immediate payment is required; final price is locked and payment is due upon delivery. The motion passed by voice vote.
Ending: Staff noted the purchase responds to an emergent safety and service need for the department; the city will finalize financing and town contributions ahead of the 2028 purchase.
